What’s the Band Playing?

Itzik’s Bistro in downtown Tel Aviv is usually full even on Open Mic Wednesdays. One particular Wednesday night, crowded as usual, a band was playing and Shuki and his friend Dudu were sitting near the stage, none too happy. At one point Shuki pipes up and asks the band leader, “Alo, can you play something by request?”

The band leader beamed and said, “Betach – of course. Whatever you want.”

"Then," snapped Shuki, "sit down and play a game of shesh besh (backgammon) so I can finish my meal.”